Where to Stay in Uganda: Honest Reviews of Kampala and Jinja's Best Accommodations

Kampala sprawls across seven hills, each neighborhood offering a distinct flavor of Ugandan hospitality. After trying several options across different price points, I found the sweet spot in mid-range boutique properties that balance comfort with authentic local character.

The Cassia Lodge on Buziga Hill stole my heart with its panoramic city views and infinity pool that seems to merge with Lake Victoria on the horizon. At around $120/night, it's not the cheapest option, but the sweeping vistas alone justify the splurge. Their restaurant serves excellent fusion cuisine, though I'd recommend venturing out for more traditional Ugandan flavors.

For those seeking a more central location, Mestil Hotel & Residences offers surprisingly spacious rooms and apartments with kitchenettes – perfect for couples wanting the option to prepare simple meals. The property's lush gardens provide a welcome respite from Kampala's energetic chaos. I particularly appreciated their reliable airport shuttle service after my late-night arrival, which I booked using my travel pillow as an impromptu desk in the departure lounge.

Not all great stays in Kampala come with hefty price tags. After chatting with some local friends, I discovered several hidden gems that deliver exceptional value without compromising on comfort or safety.

Fat Cat Backpackers in the Muyenga neighborhood surprised me with its vibrant communal spaces and private rooms that far exceed typical hostel standards. At $45-65/night for a private room with ensuite, it's a steal. The rooftop bar became my favorite spot for meeting fellow travelers while enjoying cold Nile Special beers and swapping stories as the sun set.

For couples wanting more privacy, Dolphin Suites in Bugolobi offers apartment-style accommodations with small kitchenettes. Their breakfast spread featuring fresh tropical fruits and made-to-order omelettes was consistently excellent. The friendly staff went above and beyond to help me navigate local transportation options and even arranged a last-minute boda boda (motorcycle taxi) when I was running late for a meeting.

Wherever you stay, I highly recommend bringing a portable door lock for added security and peace of mind, especially if you're staying in budget accommodations. It's become one of my essential travel items across Africa.

Just two hours east of Kampala lies Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, where the mighty Nile begins its epic journey north. The accommodations here embrace the town's natural splendor and adventurous spirit.

Wildwaters Lodge delivers a truly unique experience with luxury cottages perched on a private island in the middle of the Nile. While it stretches the definition of mid-range at around $280/night, the experience of falling asleep to the river's gentle roar and waking to mist rising off the rapids is genuinely priceless. Their commitment to sustainability impressed me – solar power, rainwater harvesting, and a minimal plastic policy.

For a more affordable option that doesn't sacrifice the riverside experience, The Haven offers beautiful cottages and bandas overlooking the Nile at about $120-150/night. Their restaurant serves excellent farm-to-table meals, and you can often spot otters playing in the river below while enjoying breakfast.

If you're planning on rafting (which I highly recommend), consider Nile River Explorers Camp. Their basic but comfortable tented camps and cottages start at $60/night and include a hearty breakfast. The camp's bar area becomes the social hub of Jinja after dark, with rafting guides and travelers swapping tales of conquering the rapids.

During my stay, I was grateful for my quick-dry travel towel which proved invaluable after impromptu swims and kayak sessions. I also recommend bringing a waterproof phone pouch – you'll want your phone handy for photos along the Nile, but water is everywhere in this adventure hub!

For travelers seeking deeper cultural connections, Uganda offers outstanding community-based accommodations that provide authentic experiences while directly supporting local economies.

In Kampala, Maisha Homes operates beautiful apartments in residential neighborhoods, offering a glimpse into everyday Ugandan life. Their Ntinda location became my favorite home base, with a local market just steps away and friendly neighbors who quickly became my impromptu guides. At $70-90/night, these fully-equipped apartments offer exceptional value.

Near Jinja, I discovered Mabira Forest Lodge, a community-run eco-lodge nestled in Uganda's largest rainforest. Their simple but comfortable cottages (around $65/night) are the perfect base for exploring the forest's network of trails. The highlight was joining their community-led medicinal plant walk, where I learned about traditional healing practices – a special interest of mine since that pivotal experience in Thailand years ago.

When staying in community accommodations, I always bring small gifts for hosts and staff. My polaroid camera has proven to be the perfect ice-breaker, allowing me to take and immediately share photos with new friends. The joy on people's faces when receiving their instant photo is absolutely priceless and helps forge meaningful connections across language barriers.

Navigating Uganda's accommodation landscape requires some practical know-how that most guidebooks don't cover. Here's what I learned through trial and error:

Booking Platforms: While Booking.com and Airbnb operate in Uganda, they don't always show the best local options. I had success with direct bookings via email or WhatsApp after finding properties on TripAdvisor or through local recommendations. Many places offer significant discounts for direct bookings.

Payment Considerations: Credit cards are accepted at higher-end establishments, but many mid-range and budget accommodations prefer cash. ATMs are readily available in Kampala and Jinja, but withdrawal limits are typically low (around 700,000 UGX or $200 per transaction). I found my money belt essential for safely carrying larger amounts of cash when staying at places without card facilities.

Electricity and Connectivity: Power outages occur regularly, even in upscale accommodations. Properties with generators typically advertise this fact. For consistent internet access, I relied on my portable wifi device with a local SIM card, which proved more reliable than many hotel WiFi networks.

Transportation to Accommodations: Always arrange airport transfers or transportation to your accommodation in advance, especially for arrivals after dark. Most mid-range and above properties offer this service for an additional fee. For budget travelers, the Uber app works well in Kampala but not in smaller towns like Jinja.